Schenectady County Community College (SCCC), part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, is a public institution located in Schenectady, New York. Founded in 1967, it serves over 5,000 students annually through associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. Known for its affordable tuition and open-access policy, SCCC emphasizes practical education that prepares students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college's 275-acre campus features modern facilities like the state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center and Center for Performers and Creators, fostering a dynamic environment for learning and work.
Jobs at Schenectady County Community College attract educators and professionals passionate about community impact. With a focus on teaching excellence, positions span faculty roles in liberal arts, STEM, health sciences, and business, alongside administrative, technical, and support staff opportunities. The institution's commitment to student success makes it an appealing employer for those seeking meaningful careers in higher education.
Schenectady County Community College began as a response to local demand for accessible higher education in the Capital Region. Established by the SUNY Board of Trustees, it opened its doors in 1968 with a mission to provide quality, affordable education that meets workforce needs. Over the decades, SCCC has expanded its offerings, introducing programs in nanotechnology, aviation, and music production, reflecting Schenectady's industrial heritage and modern innovation hub status.
The college's mission centers on empowering diverse students through innovative teaching, career preparation, and community partnerships. This ethos shapes its employment culture, prioritizing faculty who can bridge classroom learning with real-world application. Today, SCCC boasts high transfer rates to SUNY four-year schools and strong job placement in fields like nursing and engineering.
Careers at SCCC are diverse, catering to academic, administrative, and operational needs. Common positions include full-time instructors, adjunct faculty, department chairs, counselors, librarians, and IT specialists. For instance, the college frequently hires nursing instructors due to high demand in healthcare programs. Administrative roles cover HR, finance, student services, and marketing.
Explore community college jobs or learn more about types of university jobs available across institutions like SCCC. Faculty openings often emphasize teaching in small classes, while staff positions support campus operations. Check higher ed faculty jobs and administration jobs for current listings.
To secure faculty jobs at Schenectady County Community College, candidates typically need a master's degree in the relevant discipline from an accredited institution. For credit-bearing courses, SUNY guidelines require at least 18 graduate credits in the teaching field. PhD holders are preferred for leadership roles or programs like liberal arts. Specialized fields have additional mandates: nursing faculty must hold a current RN license and BSN/MSN, while engineering tech instructors benefit from professional engineering licensure.
Administrative positions vary; deans may require a doctorate, while coordinators need a bachelor's plus experience. All roles demand U.S. work authorization and background checks. These qualifications ensure instructors can deliver rigorous, transferrable education aligned with SUNY standards.
Unlike research universities, community colleges like SCCC prioritize pedagogy over pure research. However, expertise in applied research is valued, particularly in grant-funded programs such as those in advanced manufacturing or biotechnology. Faculty may collaborate on projects with regional partners like the Center for Economic Growth or GlobalFoundries, Schenectady's semiconductor hub.
Preferred expertise includes curriculum development for workforce credentials and data-driven student outcomes assessment. Read about postdoctoral success for insights applicable to emerging research roles.
Employers at SCCC seek candidates with 3-5 years of teaching or industry experience. Publications in peer-reviewed journals, grant writing success, or professional certifications strengthen applications. For adjunct roles, recent professional practice is key, such as clinical experience for health faculty.
Check how to write a winning academic CV to highlight this experience effectively.
Success at SCCC requires strong communication, adaptability, and student-centered skills. Proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas, data analytics for assessment, and inclusive teaching practices are crucial. Soft skills include empathy for non-traditional students and collaboration with industry partners.
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Schenectady County Community College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, actively recruiting underrepresented groups. Initiatives include the Diversity Institute, bias training, and employee resource groups for women, LGBTQ+, and veterans. The college's strategic plan emphasizes inclusive excellence, with metrics tracking faculty diversity (currently 40% underrepresented minorities).
Programs like TRIO support diverse students, extending to staff development. SCCC partners with local organizations for inclusive hiring fairs, fostering a welcoming environment reflective of Schenectady's multicultural population.
SCCC promotes work-life balance through flexible scheduling, 20+ vacation days, tuition remission for employees and families, and an Employee Assistance Program. Campus life buzzes with events like cultural festivals, athletic games, and professional workshops. Located near Albany, employees enjoy proximity to urban amenities while benefiting from a suburban campus with trails, fitness centers, and childcare options.
Faculty appreciate small class sizes (20:1 ratio) allowing focused mentoring without burnout. Seasonal breaks align with academic calendars, detailed at academic calendar resources.
Apply via the SUNY Careers portal (sunyjobs.ny.gov) or SCCC's website. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references. Tips:
Interviews may include panel discussions. Amid enrollment challenges, see enrollment trends. For lecturer paths, read become a lecturer.
Adjunct Faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, often professionals supplementing full-time work.
SUNY System: State University of New York, comprising 64 institutions including community colleges like SCCC.
Transfer Credits: Courses accepted toward bachelor's degrees at four-year schools.
EEO/AA: Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action, policies ensuring fair hiring.
LMS: Learning Management System, software like Canvas for online course delivery.
Jobs at Schenectady County Community College offer rewarding opportunities in a supportive SUNY environment. From faculty to admin roles, explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice at higher ed career advice. Institutions post openings on AcademicJobs.com; consider recruitment services or post a job if hiring.
With New York's vibrant higher ed scene, SCCC stands out for its community focus amid policy shifts like those in 2026 policy changes.
